Alcohol is a no-no for most people with anxiety disorders,
but people who experience anxiety, particularly disorders like PTSD, social
anxiety disorder and panic disorders, are 2 to 3 times more likely than people in the
general population to develop a substance abuse problem.

People with anxiety are clearly drawn to the use of alcohol
and drugs, but how does a substance (alcohol) that temporarily abates anxious
feelings actually exacerbate these conditions?

Reasons Why Heavy Alcohol Use and Anxiety Don’t Mix

Many
people find that while alcohol can temporarily reduce symptoms of anxiety,
the day after alcohol use, anxiety symptoms rebound with severity. There
can be a real temptation to counter these exacerbated anxiety symptoms
with alcohol once again, and this can start off a very negative spiral
into alcohol abuse or alcoholism.

Binge
drinking can cause physiological changes in the body that can trigger a
panic attack

People
abusing alcohol (or other drugs) may be less compliant on anxiety treatments,
such as medications; and even if taking these medications as directed,
alcohol may lessen their efficacy.

Alcohol
withdrawal symptoms (which can include anxiety) can induce (or awaken) an
anxiety disorder in some people. People who suffer from an anxiety
disorder may endure more severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Here are 2 facts about alcoholism: It tends to get worse over time (it is progressive) and most people experience a fairly similar progression of symptoms and consequences. Here is a timeline which charts the progressive experiences of alcoholism through the early, middle and late stages. If you have a drinking problem, find out where you fall on the timeline and consider what’s coming in the future. Read Article